The Stifel U.S. Freeski Team finished the first slopestyle World Cup of the season in Stubai, Austria, despite a week of challenging conditions, with USA at the top. Olympic silver medalist Colby Stevenson took the win, with teammate Mac Forehand just shy of the podium in fourth. Marin Hamill led the women, finishing fourth, another top result for the skier.

After two failed qualification attempts earlier this week due to weather, the men finally got the green light and were able to get through the start list. With that, due to the delays and cancelations, the final results were taken from qualifications.

Stevenson came out on top today with a score of 92.00 on his second run. Stevenson put down a fun run, a good mix of "creativity and technicality, highlighted by left and right nose butter takeoffs,” according to Head Coach Dave Euler. Stevenson was joined on the podium by Andri Ragettli of Switzerland in second and Norway’s Tormod Frostod in third, respectively.

Stevenson reflected on the day with, "Stubai World Cups are always challenging with weather, this year especially. It feels quite nostalgic having a victory here as this was where I had my first World Cup podium back in 2017 (3rd place). So, I’m glad to be healthy and skiing with everyone. Our team is slaying it right now! Stoked for a great season."

Reigning slopestyle crystal globe-winner, Forehand, had a strong performance today, finishing in fourth with an 89.00. Hunter Henderson showed up strong and finished seventh. Troy Podmilsak finished out the top Americans in 15th.

Stifel U.S Freeski Team rookies, Hugh MacMenamin and Henry Townshend both had their first World Cup starts this weekend, along with American Sean Jensen. 

On the women's side, Marin Hamill returned to competition for the first time since the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Hamill just missed the podium and ended fourth with an 80.00 from her first run. Tess Ledeux of France finished first, with Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud in second and Sarah Hoefflin in third. 

Euler expressed his excitement, saying he is "So stoked for Colby taking the win! Proud of the whole team and the way they performed after a challenging week of weather." 

Up next, the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team heads to Beijing, China for a Big Air event. Men's and women's qualifications will take place on Nov. 29, with finals on Dec. 1. Finals will be available to watch live and on-demand at skiandsnowboard.live at 1:00 a.m. ET.

RESULTS
WOMEN
MEN

Stifel U.S. Ski Team Announces New Trophy and Prize for North American World Cups

Park City, UTAH — (Nov. 21, 2024) - The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team and title partner Stifel Financial together announce the Stifel HERoic Cup, part of the organization’s HERoic initiative celebrating women’s sports. The Stifel HERoic Cup will be awarded to the woman athlete with the most World Cup points after the three North American stops on the women’s FIS Alpine World Cup tour: the Stifel Killington Cup, Tremblant World Cup and Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines.

“We are thrilled to announce the Stifel HERoic Cup this season and further our commitment to amplifying women in sports through our HERoic initiative,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Stifel’s commitment to the athletes is second to none and this award is a testament to that. It will be a weekend of firsts in Beaver Creek, and we look forward to awarding the first Stifel HERoic Cup following the first women’s Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines.”

The cup winner will be awarded $50,000 at an award ceremony following the final race in Beaver Creek. The victor will also receive the newly designed and produced Stifel HERoic Cup trophy. The prize money will be deposited in a Stifel investment account and the athlete may choose to withdraw the money, leave it invested with Stifel’s guidance, or combine both. If there is a tie, the athletes will split the award. 

“We’re excited to help the Stifel U.S. Ski Team celebrate and empower women competing in North America this winter through our sponsorship of the Stifel HERoic Cup,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “As the firm Where Success Meets Success, we continue to align the Stifel brand with individuals who share our commitment to greatness, and we look forward to supporting these dedicated female athletes as they compete for the first ever Stifel HERoic Cup.”

The Stifel HERoic Cup was created to promote excellence in women’s alpine skiing further while showcasing Stifel’s commitment to supporting the sport and its athletes. It aligns with U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s broader goals of women's empowerment within the organization's HERoic initiative. 

 “Ron and Stifel have been incredible supporters of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team,” shared 98-time World Cup winner Mikaela Shiffrin. “Their support of the Stifel HERoic Cup is yet another example of their passion for ski racing and their determination to bring more support to our team and awareness to our sport. We are all so thankful for Stifel’s commitment to supporting the first-ever Stifel HERoic Cup.” 

A leaderboard will be created based on World Cup points as tracked by FIS. Eligibility is for athletes competing at the Stifel Killington Cup, Tremblant World Cup and Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United Airlines. The first opportunity kicks off in Killington, VT, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2024, with a women’s giant slalom and slalom race. 

STIFEL HEROIC CUP-ELIGIBLE RACES

• Nov. 30, 2024 – Stifel Killington Cup, Killington, VT – giant slalom
• Dec. 1, 2024 – Stifel Killington Cup, Killington, VT – slalom 
• Dec. 7, 2024 – Tremblant World Cup, Tremblant, CAN – giant slalom
• Dec. 8, 2024 – Tremblant World Cup, Tremblant, CAN – giant slalom 
• Dec. 14, 2024 – Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United, Beaver Creek, CO – downhill
• Dec. 15, 2024 – Stifel Birds of Prey presented by United, Beaver Creek, CO – super-G

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Courtney Harkins, Director of Communications & Marketing
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

On day two of the Levi World Cup weekend, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Ben Ritchie posted a career best result in slalom, snagging a 13th place. He also took home the Stifel Bibbo Award, jumping from bib 48 to the 13th position. 

“I am really happy with the result today. I thought I skied very well,” said Ritchie. “Some mistakes here and there but that’s how it goes in racing.”

The crowd was noticeably larger and livelier on Sunday as the best slalom skiers in the world made their way to the Levi slope - the first time since 2019 for the men. The hill was also much icier than the day before, which meant it would be in great shape for racing toward the end of the men’s field. 

On the first run, all five of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team men showed promising speeds however only one made it to the second run. Jett Seymour was blazing on the top until he straddled coming onto the pitch. Teammate Luke Winters also skied well until he got a bit late and could not complete the next turn. Ritchie however started his day right, making it down calm, cool and collected to give himself a strong chance on the second run. 

“There’s definitely a little extra nerves today in the first race of the year with new equipment and a new team around me,” remarked Ritchie. “We spent a lot of time skiing this summer and put in a lot of work.” 

The work paid off for Ritchie in the end as he skied an aggressive line all the way to the finish just a mere 0.16 off the leader at the time. Skier after skier did not come close to Ritchie’s overall time and he watched his name climb the leaderboard. Ritchie ended up 13th with his whole team cheering him on from the sidelines. 

“I think the training sessions have all been extremely competitive between the four of us so I think it's some good momentum for the slalom skiing and I think we will all bring our best skiing next weekend in Gurgl,” said Ritchie. 

The winner of the race was French skier Clement Noel, second was Norwegian Henrik Kristoffersen and third place went to the Swiss Loic Meillard. 

It was also a first for up-and-comer Camden Palmquist who experienced his first World Cup this weekend. While he did not make a second run he was thrilled to get his first turns in on the professional circuit in front of family. 

“It felt alright, I did an ok job handling the nerves and I had a lot of fun. I could have been a lot faster in spots but it's good," said Palmquist. 

The alpine World Cup tour now heads to Austria for another dual weekend of racing with a women’s slalom Saturday and men’s slalom Sunday. 

RESULTS
Men's slalom

On a wet, rainy and snowy day in Finland, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete and the greatest alpine skier of all-time, Mikaela Shiffrin notched her 98th World Cup win at the Levi World Cup. Teammate Paula Moltzan was not too far off the mark in eighth place.

“It is a great start to the slalom season,” said Shiffrin, “I had two really strong runs so I am happy to fight on the second run in tough conditions!”

In what can only be described as the opposite weather from the frigid temperatures the year prior, the world’s best slalom skiers took to the Levi slope ready to showcase their skills in the first slalom event of the season. 

The tech women skied in top form on the traditionally icy course, with Shiffrin quickly taking a dominant lead on run one. Then, it was Moltzan’s turn – she skied a strong run, putting herself into fifth place on the first run. 

The weather then continued to have a mind of its own, raining one moment to snowing giant chunky snowflakes the next. But this did not seem to phase the world’s best as they prepared for the second run. 

It was a straightforward course set with some slick turns on the pitch that some women were having trouble with. But if you knifed the top pitch you were in for a successful day. Moltzan, running 26th on the second run, nailed the top section but quickly ran into trouble on the pitch. Moltzan, who is also known for her miraculous saves, made it down with a few notable mistakes to land in eighth place for the day. A result she was very pleased with. 

“I am very excited because I have never in my career had a successful race in Levi so to end up in the top 10 for me feels like a very big step forward,” said Moltzan. 

In the final minutes of the race, the competition was heating up after Katharina Liensberger of Austria skied a flawless run and positioning herself at the top of the standings. Shiffrin knew what to do. With reindeer on the line, she skied a clean and fierce run to ultimately win the race, her 98th World Cup and eighth reindeer. 

“I am racing almost every weekend from here on out until the end of the season so it's going to be a big push now and I was a little bit off on my mentality in Sölden so it was really important to start off strong here in slalom.” 

The podium was completed with Shiffrin on the top spot, Liensberger second and Lena Duerr of Germany in third.

“I don’t know what I will name the reindeer yet – I am going to wait and confirm with the team on ideas and see what everyone says,” said Shiffirn when asked what she will name the eighth reindeer to her herd. 

Katie Hensien and Nina O’Brien also raced the first run but did not finish, they are okay and ready for the next races. Independent U.S.  skier Kendahl Roufa also raced her first World Cup start Saturday and while she did not qualify for a second run she was very happy to experience the event. 

“I feel really great, very excited and just happy I got through the finish,” said Roufa. 

Overall, the women’s alpine team is feeling positive with the combination of the spirit of Christmas, the magic of the Levi reindeer and Santa in the finish. The women will now take this momentum and race slalom again the following weekend in Gurgl, Austria. A brand new venue for the women racers. 

On Sunday Nov. 16, the men will take on the Levi track for their first slalom World Cup of the season. 

RESULTS
Women's slalom

HOW TO WATCH 
4:00 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 1, Levi, Finland - skiandsnowboard.live (live)
7:00 a.m. ET - men's slalom, run 2, Levi, Finland - skiandsnowboard.live (live)

Park City, UT (Nov. 14, 2024) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce that alpine great Lindsey Vonn will rejoin the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.

Vonn’s decision to try and return to ski racing comes after careful consideration following successful knee surgery earlier this year. She has been able to get back to training and test her knee over the past couple of months and will be continuing her progression with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in Colorado and beyond, representing a new exciting chapter in her already storied career.

“Getting back to skiing without pain has been an incredible journey,” said Vonn. “I am looking forward to being back with the Stifel U.S. Ski Team and to continue to share my knowledge of the sport with these incredible women.”

Vonn’s return comes off the back of a strong season for the women’s Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Her presence will bring an extra layer of experience to the already successful alpine program. 

“Lindsey has made an indelible mark on alpine skiing and our organization throughout her career. We’re delighted to welcome her back,” said President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard Sophie Goldschmidt. “Her dedication and passion towards alpine skiing is inspiring and we’re excited to have her back on snow and see where she can go from here.”

Vonn recorded her first World Cup victory in 2004 and continued on to win three Olympic medals, 20 World Cup titles (including four overall Crystal Globes), eight World Championship medals, 137 World Cup podiums and 82 World Cup victories. However, she suffered multiple injuries during her career and despite her ability to persevere and come back from those injuries, it eventually was the reason for her retirement after 18 seasons on the World Cup tour. Following a partial knee replacement surgery in April, she feels stronger than ever.

Vonn also continues to work with her personal foundation, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which supports underserved girls through scholarships and empowerment programs, and is still a mentor to current Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes. She hopes she can continue to inspire the next generation of women in sports.

“Lindsey is someone who has really been there for me throughout my time on the World Cup circuit,” said Stifel U.S. Ski Team athlete Bella Wright. “I never got the opportunity to be Lindsey’s teammate in the past, so the opportunity to ski alongside her is extremely exciting! I can’t wait to see what the U.S. women can do this season.” 

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Assets:
Video assets are available for media here. Photos are available for media here.
Credit: Stifel U.S. Ski Team 

For more information:
Courtney Harkins
Director of Marketing & Communications, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org 

For Lindsey Vonn Media Inquiries: 
Liz Logan, LLogan@fullpic.com

Press release courtesy of Tony Harrison & Soldier Mountain

Park City, UT & Fairfield, ID (Nov. 13, 2024) — The Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals at Sun Valley Resort in March isn’t the only event drawing members of U.S. Ski & Snowboard to Idaho this winter. Nearby Soldier Mountain just signed an agreement with the slopestyle teams for the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team and the Stifel U.S. Freeski Team to host the inaugural annual training camps in December and late March.

The Southern Idaho ski area, best known as the resort actor Bruce Willis used to own, will build a training facility for the slopestyle teams to train on as part of the Soldier Mountain Snow Training Center, which serves competitive athletes throughout the Western U.S. Designed by world-renowned terrain park builder Charles Beckinsale, the site will support the slopestyle teams’ needs for large-scale jumps, which are part of competition but not widely available to train on. Beckinsale will personally construct the training facility on the run Canyon underneath the High Trail Express Lift (Chair 1).

The three-year partnership has allowed Soldier Mountain to enhance its snowmaking system, with the resort recently acquiring new state-of-the-art TechnoAlpin TR10 snow guns. The move doubles Soldier Mountain’s snowmaking capacity and will ensure skiers and riders enjoy full top-to-bottom coverage on the runs North Ridge and Canyon.

“This is a huge win for a small, independent ski resort like Soldier Mountain,” GM David Alden said. “One of the things that makes Soldier Mountain so attractive is that we’re small enough to be nimble and eager to try new things. And U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s financial and philosophical commitment to a small ski area like Soldier Mountain will ensure we offer a sustainable domestic training venue for the world’s best snowsports athletes for many years to come.”

Leadership at U.S. Ski & Snowboard concur.

Teaming up with a small mountain complements U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s affiliation with the Indy Pass, with Soldier Mountain one of seven Idaho Indy Pass partners. And the resort’s proximity to Utah — Soldier Mountain is less than 5 hours by car from U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s headquarters in Park City — eases logistics and is a good fit with the team’s Easy Green environmental initiative by reducing the carbon footprint of its training.

Soldier Mountain has presented us with a unique opportunity to build world-class jumps in the USA at a time of year that will give our Slopestyle teams a huge advantage going into the competition season,” Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team Sport Director Rick Bower said.

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team Sport Director Skogen Sprang agreed, adding the teams are “excited to explore a new location that is so passionate about freeskiing and snowboarding and are looking forward to seeing what kind of magic Soldier Mountain can make up there.”

Alden is super stoked about the impact the new training facility will have on rising stars on the snowboard and freeski scene.

“U.S. Ski & Snowboard is dedicated to creating training opportunities at the grassroots level,” Alden said. “Bringing a training venue of this magnitude to the western region gives up-and-coming snowboarders and freeskiers who are looking to compete at a higher level but can’t afford to travel far to train an unprecedented opportunity to hone their big-air skills. It’s like the major leagues building a new stadium for the minor leagues because they realize they need to nurture the next generation of pros.”

For more information, please contact:

David Alden, 208.541.8738, david@soldiermountain.com

Courtney Harkins, 978.314.1019, courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

Tony Harrison, 208.880.9814, tony@COMMposition.biz

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ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, Nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. Visit usskiandsnowboard.org for more information.

ABOUT SOLDIER MOUNTAIN
Established in 1947, Soldier Mountain is a family friendly mountain resort located near Fairfield, Idaho, at 1043 N. Soldier Creek Rd. in the Soldier Mountains of the Sawtooth National Forest. It is about two hours from Boise, 80 minutes from Sun Valley, and 90 minutes from Twin Falls. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding on 35 named trails and a terrain park on the frontside comprising 1,150 lift-served skiable acres and 2,000 acres of snowcat-accessible backcountry. Soldier Mountain has two chairlifts reaching an altitude of up to 7,177 ft., a magic carpet, and a tubing hill. In the summer it offers five mountain biking trails, a skills park, and a nine-hole disc golf course. Its lodge restaurant serves homemade fare while The Fox Den Pub provides guests with a cozy spot to hang out after a great day on the mountain. Camping spots are available at the end of the resort’s parking lot at Pioneer Campground and along the road beyond, and motel lodging and vacation rentals are available in Fairfield about 10 miles away. As an Indy Pass partner, Soldier Mountain also offers season passholders discounted Indy Passes as an add-on. Visit soldiermountain.com for more details.

Stifel U.S. Freeski Team member Matt Labaugh is on the rise this season. The Rye, NY native ended the 2023-24 season sitting 14th in the world. Labaugh finished last season with three top twelve finishes (out of the five events in the season) and his career-best fifth place finish at Mammoth Mountain for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix. We chatted with Matt to discuss his passion for halfpipe skiing and what inspires him.

Q: What initially drew you to halfpipe skiing?

Matt Labaugh: I grew up skiing slopestyle on the East Coast before moving to Vail, where everyone skied both slope and halfpipe. I started halfpipe as well, so I could be like everybody else and wanted to prove I could do it too. I really fell in love with the process of working through tricks in the pipe, and here we are years later.

Q: What are your biggest goals around halfpipe skiing? What about beyond skiing?

ML: The Olympics have always been my number one goal. After that, I want to make the X Games, compete under those lights, and find sponsors I really connect with. Outside of skiing, I want to make sure I graduate from college and one day I would really like to own a home.

Q: What is one thing that you’re most proud of in your career so far?

ML: One of my proudest moments was during the FIS Freeski Junior World Championships in Leysin, France, in 2022. I took home second in both halfpipe and slopestyle, which felt huge. I also walked away with a fifth in big air. Since Junior Worlds, I’ve been competing mainly on the World Cup circuit, which is serious competition. Last season, I feel like things really clicked for me, and I am proud of the drive I found to work hard and push myself, even on tough days.

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

ML: I was on the alternate list for the 2022 Beijing Olympics and that felt pretty crazy. I never thought that would happen. Also every single time a brand sends me skis...that never gets old.

Q: Who were the athletes that you looked up to when you were younger, or who are they now?

When I was younger, I always looked up to Tom Wallisch and Bobby Brown. One year, Smith sent me Bobby Brown’s pro model goggles. I was riding Breckenridge one day, and both of them were there. I was the weird little kid following them. I finally got on the lift with them, and Bobby was like, “Oh, sick goggles,” and it made my whole year. These days, Alex Hall is definitely someone I look up to; he has such a great perspective on skiing and building runs in general. Outside of skiing, I have always admired Tiger Woods and his grit. 

Follow Matt on Instagram here

HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX to capture extreme winter sports performances in stunning 8K and 4K video

PARK CITY, Utah (November 1, 2024) – Today, HOVERAir and U.S. Ski & Snowboard are proud to announce their collaboration for the 2024-25 season as the X1 PRO and PROMAX flying cameras become available for direct to sales. This exciting partnership will provide athletes and fans with unprecedented aerial perspectives of elite snowboarders and freeskiers, thanks to the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX. The HOVERAir brand is now designated as the official flying camera of U.S. Ski & Snowboard for the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, Colorado, December 18-21, 2024.

The Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Copper Mountain, part of the longest-running elite-level competition in the United States, serves as a key stop on the FIS Freeski and Snowboard World Cup tour. World-class athletes will compete for podiums in the resort’s 22-foot pro halfpipe. HOVERAir will be an official partner of the event and will have an on-site activation for fans to see and experience their products.

Zero Zero Robotics’ HOVERAir X1 PRO and X1 PROMAX are the ultimate flying cameras for capturing high-adrenaline winter sports. Designed for extreme environments, both models feature hands-free, AI-powered filming, enabling athletes to focus on their performance while recording stunning footage in 8K and 4K resolution. With their rugged design and OmniTerrain capabilities, these cameras can fly effortlessly over snow, water, and steep cliffs, making them ideal for skiers and snowboarders tackling the toughest courses. The cameras also offer advanced tracking and collision detection, ensuring precise shots at speeds of up to 26 mph, even in the most challenging conditions.

“We are beyond excited to partner with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and their incredible athletes at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix," said MQ Wang, Founder and CEO of Zero Zero Robotics. "Winter sports push the limits of speed, precision, and agility—values we’ve built into the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX. As the official flying cameras of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, we can't wait to help athletes capture their performances from stunning new perspectives, bringing their moments of brilliance to life in breathtaking detail.”

The HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX flying cameras are now available worldwide at hoverair.com for USD $499 and $699, respectively.

"We’re thrilled to partner with HOVERAir around the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix, and use its innovative solutions to elevate the fan experience and athlete performance,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Revenue and Philanthropy Officer Trisha Worthington. “U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to staying at the forefront of technology, and this partnership allows us to do just that while showcasing some of the world’s most exciting competitions."

About U.S. Ski & Snowboard
U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Media Contact
Courtney Harkins, Director of Marketing & Communications, courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

About Zero Zero Robotics
Zero Zero Robotics was co-founded in 2014 by Stanford PhDs MQ Wang and Tony Zhang, specializing in embedded AI technology for intelligent devices. Known for its innovative machine vision and high-precision control systems, ZeroZero has team members who are dreamers, engineers, inventors, and builders hailing from top universities and research institutions around the world. Zero Zero Robotics holds more than 140 core patents and has pioneered technologies like fully enclosed portable propeller designs and bi-copter designs, cementing its place as a leader in intelligent device development.

HOVERAir Media Contact
Zero Zero Robotics PR Team
pr@hoverair.com

Zach Williams of Madera, CA, is a newcomer to the Para alpine scene, skiing for the first time just six years ago. Williams is the newest member of the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team following an impressive 2023-24 season, during which he became the U.S. super-G champion. He found himself on the podium eight additional times last season, cementing himself as a name to remember on the circuit. 

We sat down to ask him about his background, most recent successes, and goals for the coming seasons. 

Q: What initially drew you to skiing?

Zach Williams: I saw an announcement for an adaptive ski event called “Ski-Able” at the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, AZ.  I was curious to try out a new sport, and now we’re here.  

Q: When you were younger, getting into the sport, what were your goals?

ZW: I skied for the first time in my life at age 39. I was immediately hooked. Surfing has come close throughout my life, but nothing has ever let me move my body with the kind of freedom, speed, and control that skiing does. It wasn’t long before I started asking my adaptive instructors if the Paralympics were possible for me. They told me it would take a lot of work, but it was possible. 

Q: What is one thing that you’re most proud of in your career so far?/what is your biggest accomplishment so far?

ZW: I left a career as a Prosthetist/Orthotist and sold my home in California to train full-time to make the U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team. That dream came true a few month ago when I got the call from coach Ryan Pearl inviting me onto the team. 

Q: What is your ultimate goal?

ZW: To be “the best skier on the mountain.” I want to see how far I can develop my abilities and ski against the best athletes in the world on the World Cup and the Paralympics.  

Q: Are there any moments that you’ve experienced in your career that didn’t seem real?

ZW: Becoming the super-G National Champion last season was a real surprise. GS is my favorite event, and I’m newer to the speed disciplines, but it all came together for me in that race.  

Q: Who were the athletes that you looked up to when you were younger, or who are they now?

ZW: I’m inspired by the other U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athletes. Seeing them day after day, week after week, working hard at the USANA Center of Excellence Powered by iFit to make gains and prepare for the upcoming season.  Their commitment to “the grind” helps motivate me to keep pushing. I’m also a big fan of Formula 1. I love the mindset of the drivers and teams looking for every little thing they can do to shave tenths and thousandths off a lap time in the pursuit of speed. I’m pulling for Williams Racing to work their way back to their former glory days.

Follow Zach on social media. 

The Viessmann FIS Ski Jumping 2024-25 World Cup season is officially set, with the highly anticipated Lake Placid World Cup returning to the U.S. on Feb. 6-9, 2025. 

Lake Placid, NY will host a World Cup event for the third consecutive year and will include the women’s event in the U.S. for the first time in history. The World Cup will showcase the world's top athletes on Lake Placid’s legendary Olympic jumps.

All three days of jumping will be held on the large hill, an HS128. The women's qualification will begin on Thursday. They will have one round to qualify, and the top 40 athletes will move on to the competition on Friday. 

On Saturday, the men will have their first individual event, starting with qualification, from which the top 50 will move directly into the competition. Afterward, the women will take the stage for their second and final individual event in the same format as a qualification round that leads right into the competition rounds. The day will culminate with the mixed team event, where two male and two women jumpers from each nation will compete against the other nations. 

The men will return to the ski jump for their last individual event on Sunday, the final day of the Lake Placid World Cup. Athletes must requalify, and the top 50 will advance to the competition later that day. 

“We’re delighted to welcome ski jumping back to ‘home turf’ for the Lake Placid World Cup for what promises to be a groundbreaking event,” said Anders Johnson, USA Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Sports Director. “With both men’s and women’s competitions included this year, we expect an exciting few days of competitions that will inspire fans and future generations of jumpers.”

More on how to tune into our events can be found HERE.